What makes a good Practicum objective?
All practica should be based on 2 – 5 objectives linked to the student’s academic program competencies. The preceptor and the student should meet, construct and discuss objectives at the beginning of the practicum. It is recommended to use the 'SMART' guidelines in order to assure that each objective is:
- Specific - A specific objective has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. To make an objective specific, make sure to include the Who, What, When, Where and Why (e.g. A general objective would be "Get in shape." A specific objective would be "I will join and attend a health club at least three times per week for three months in order to lose 15 pounds.")
- Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each objective. Ask yourself "How much? How many? How will I know when it is accomplished?” In the objective above, the 15 pounds is what makes it measurable.
- Attainable -Objectives should be achievable given the resources and time available.
- Realistic - Objectives are realistic when the skills needed to reach the objective are available and the goal fits with the overall strategy and goals of the organization.
- Timely - When setting objectives, you should ensure that there is an understanding of a begin date, end date, and how much time it will take to reach the objective within the timeframe. In the objective above, the 3 months is the time frame for achieving the goal.
Opportunities
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| Organization | First Physical Therapy |
| Department | Physical Therapy |
| Website | |
| Street Address | 100 Dreher Road |
| City | West Columbia |
| State | South Carolina |
| Specify the experiences to be undertaken (including strategy, methods, resources, settings). | Exercise Science students are required to complete a practicum. A practicum is a 6 credit experience in an exercise science and health setting. In the setting, or site, students will spend 300 hours observing and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the facility/organization and applying course work through experiential and practical work. |
| Specify the criteria for assessment of learning results and work performances. | We want our students to have a hands-on experience that introduces them to "A Day in the Life" of a PT/PTA. Providing them with the proper knowledge needed to provide exceptional care to patients. Along with gaining the opportunity of interacting with a variety of patients daily. |
| Describe in detail any special conditions, arrangements, or restrictions. | Students will gather evaluations from patients, therefore, student will need to interact to multiple patients daily. Students will have time to participate in planning the exercises for a given patient. As well as demonstrating the exercises to the patient with helping them through of the sequence of their treatment. |
| Give time sequence for achieving the desired results and how progress will be monitored. | Students will be monitored frequently and will be able to ask questions as often as needed. Results/progress will be monitored on a flexible basis. As this is a learning experience! |
| What are the specific deliverables associated with this opportunity (e.g. a needs assessment, a policy analysis, production of public health brochures and handouts)? | We have an intern/employee handbook that addresses all the different aspects of the facility and provides additional information relating to Physical Therapy. |
Opportunities
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